Log supporting and guiding apparatus for improved burning

ABSTRACT

A log supporting and guiding apparatus for improved burning, the apparatus comprising: a base which rests on a fireplace floor or fireplace grate, the base comprising a front bar, back bar, a left connecting bar, a right connecting bar, and a plurality of strength reinforcing bars; a plurality of log retaining bars which are functionally attached to the base and angled off of the fireplace floor or fireplace grate; a left upright bar which is perpendicular, functionally attached to the left connecting bar at the bottom of the left upright bar, and closer to the front bar than the back bar; a right upright bar which is perpendicular, functionally attached to the right connecting bar at the bottom of the right upright bar, and closer to the front bar than the back bar; a cross bar which functionally connects the top of the left upright bar with the top of the right upright bar; a c-section bar for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of the right upright bar; and an inverted c-section bar for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of the left upright bar.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/222,228 filed Jul. 1, 2009. The content of this prior application is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is in the technical field of log holding or supporting. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a log supporting apparatus for supporting logs and the like in a fireplace for burning.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Burning wood in a fireplace can be difficult under certain circumstances. In particular, insufficient airflow can choke a fire. This results in incomplete burning of the wood, smoke, and less heat generated.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,637,713 Kleve et al. describes a triangular teepee-shaped apparatus for supporting logs in a fireplace. Kleve et al. discusses the need for supporting logs in a partly upright position inclined toward one another in a fireplace for easier or better burning of the logs in the fireplace. U.S. Pat. No. 6,637,713 Kleve et al. is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure describes a log supporting and guiding apparatus for improved burning. The apparatus comprises: a base which rests on a fireplace floor or fireplace grate, the base comprising a front bar, back bar, a left connecting bar, a right connecting bar, and a plurality of strength reinforcing bars; a plurality of log retaining bars which are functionally attached to the base and angled off of the fireplace floor or fireplace grate; a left upright bar which is perpendicular, functionally attached to the left connecting bar at the bottom of the left upright bar, and closer to the front bar than the back bar; a right upright bar which is perpendicular, functionally attached to the right connecting bar at the bottom of the right upright bar, and closer to the front bar than the back bar; a cross bar which functionally connects the top of the left upright bar with the top of the right upright bar; a c-section bar for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of the right upright bar; and an inverted c-section bar for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of the left upright bar.

In an optional embodiment, the apparatus can further comprise a nameplate which can contain a logo. The nameplate is functionally attached to the strength reinforcing bars and the two connecting bars. The nameplate enables kindling and ash retention. The nameplate can be made so that the fireplace user has the option of removing it.

In another optional embodiment, the base further comprises retaining tabs for mounting the apparatus in a fireplace grate, the tabs being located along the front bar of the base and perpendicular to the front bar of the base. The tabs may be in the same plane as the base itself or they may optionally be directed at angles out of the plane of the base while remaining perpendicular to the front bar of the base. Note that the shape of the base, with its elements at 90 degree angles, is conducive to mounting on a rectangular fireplace grate.

In another optional embodiment, the base does not have strength reinforcing bars.

The base (without the strength reinforcing bars) typically resembles a ladder in shape, with the ladder-shaped base being placed flat on the fireplace. The base front bar and base back bar resemble the two legs of the ladder. The two connecting bars resemble steps of the ladder. The base rests in a stable manner on a fireplace grate or fireplace floor. The base provides the stability to support the other elements of the apparatus.

In another optional embodiment, the plurality of log retaining bars are typically angled off of the fireplace between 30 and 45 degrees. However, the angle can be as steep as 90 degrees. The length of the log retaining bars is sufficient to hold at least one log.

The upright bars enable the c-section bar and inverted c-section bar to be raised above the base of the apparatus, creating an upper section of the apparatus. The height of the upper section of the apparatus is high enough to enable additional logs to be placed in the center of the apparatus in a horizontal manner. The upright bars are vertical instead of angled, maximizing space for logs and log burning.

The cross bar reinforces the strength of the upper section of the apparatus while maximizing space for logs and log burning.

The c-section bar and inverted c-section bar can be comprised of short bar sections which are functionally attached to each other and form a “c” or inverted “c” shape. Optionally, the c-section bar and inverted c-section bar can be comprised of a single bar which is formed continuously in a “c” or inverted “c” shape. Both the c-section bar and inverted c-section bar enable the burning of logs of different sizes. Log can be placed at different angles. Logs can be held upright in the front, back, and both sides.

The material of construction for the entire apparatus is metal, including iron and the like.

The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, which are incorporated into this section by reference. A more complete understanding of embodiments on the present disclosure will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as the realization of additional advantages thereof, by consideration of the following detailed description of one or more embodiments. Reference will be made to the appended sheets of drawings that will first be described briefly.

The following detailed description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention or the following detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows the front of the apparatus holding a log upright.

FIG. 6 shows the left-side of the apparatus holding a log upright.

FIG. 7 shows the right-side of the apparatus holding a log upright.

FIG. 8 shows the back of the apparatus holding a log upright.

FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of an optional embodiment of the invention with retaining tabs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While prior art exists for improving fireplace airflow and wood burning, significant shortcomings exist. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,637,713 Kleve et al. has a tee-pee configuration where the top of the logs are too close together while the bottom of the logs are too far apart. This results in incomplete burning of the wood. Furthermore, the upper brackets of Kleve et al. are too small to accommodate larger log sizes.

The present disclosure describes a novel apparatus which overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art. Logs can be supported upright in four different positions and at varying angles to optimize burning. Furthermore, different sized and larger logs can be used because of the nature of the c-shaped and inverted c-shaped bar sections.

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the invention. The embodiment comprises; a base 101 which rests on a fireplace floor or fireplace grate and is comprised of a front bar 102, back bar 103, a left connecting bar 104, a right connecting bar 105, and a plurality of strength reinforcing bars 106; a plurality of log retaining bars 107 which are functionally attached to the base 101 and angled off of a fireplace floor or grate; a left upright bar 108 which is perpendicular, functionally attached to the left connecting bar 104 at the bottom of the left upright bar, and closer to the front bar 102 than the back bar 103; a right upright bar 109 which is perpendicular, functionally attached to the right connecting bar 105 at the bottom of the right upright bar, and closer to the front bar 102 than the back bar 103; a cross bar 110 which functionally connects the top of the left upright bar 108 with the top of the right upright bar 109; a c-section bar 111 for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of the right upright bar 109; and an inverted c-section bar 112 for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of the left upright bar 108.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of an embodiment of the invention. The embodiment comprises; a base 101 which rests on a fireplace floor or fireplace grate and is comprised of a front bar 102, back bar 103, a left connecting bar 104, a right connecting bar 105, and a plurality of strength reinforcing bars 106; a plurality of log retaining bars 107 which are functionally attached to the base 101 and angled off of a fireplace floor or grate; a left upright bar 108 which is perpendicular, functionally attached to the left connecting bar 104 at the bottom of the left upright bar, and closer to the front bar 102 than the back bar 103; a right upright bar 109 which is perpendicular, functionally attached to the right connecting bar 105 at the bottom of the right upright bar, and closer to the front bar 102 than the back bar 103; a cross bar 110 which functionally connects the top of the left upright bar 108 with the top of the right upright bar 109; a c-section bar 111 for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of the right upright bar 109; and an inverted c-section bar 112 for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of the left upright bar 108.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of an embodiment of the invention. The embodiment comprises; a base 101 which rests on a fireplace floor or fireplace grate and is comprised of a front bar 102, back bar 103, a left connecting bar 104, a right connecting bar 105, and a plurality of strength reinforcing bars 106; a plurality of log retaining bars 107 which are functionally attached to the base 101 and angled off of a fireplace floor or grate; a left upright bar 108 which is perpendicular, functionally attached to the left connecting bar 104 at the bottom of the left upright bar, and closer to the front bar 102 than the back bar 103; a right upright bar 109 which is perpendicular, functionally attached to the right connecting bar 105 at the bottom of the right upright bar, and closer to the front bar 102 than the back bar 103; a cross bar 110 which functionally connects the top of the left upright bar 108 with the top of the right upright bar 109; a c-section bar 111 for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of the right upright bar 109; and an inverted c-section bar 112 for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of the left upright bar 108.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention. The embodiment comprises; a base 101 which rests on a fireplace floor or fireplace grate and is comprised of a front bar 102, back bar 103, a left connecting bar 104, a right connecting bar 105, and a plurality of strength reinforcing bars 106; a plurality of log retaining bars 107 which are functionally attached to the base 101 and angled off of a fireplace floor or grate; a left upright bar 108 which is perpendicular, functionally attached to the left connecting bar 104 at the bottom of the left upright bar, and closer to the front bar 102 than the back bar 103; a right upright bar 109 which is perpendicular, functionally attached to the right connecting bar 105 at the bottom of the right upright bar, and closer to the front bar 102 than the back bar 103; a cross bar 110 which functionally connects the top of the left upright bar 108 with the top of the right upright bar 109; a c-section bar 111 for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of the right upright bar 109; and an inverted c-section bar 112 for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of the left upright bar 108.

FIG. 5 shows the front of the apparatus holding a log upright. The embodiment comprises; a base 101 which rests on a fireplace floor or fireplace grate and is comprised of a front bar 102, back bar 103, a left connecting bar 104, a right connecting bar 105, and a plurality of strength reinforcing bars 106; a plurality of log retaining bars 107 which are functionally attached to the base 101 and angled off of a fireplace floor or grate; a left upright bar 108 which is perpendicular, functionally attached to the left connecting bar 104 at the bottom of the left upright bar, and closer to the front bar 102 than the back bar 103; a right upright bar 109 which is perpendicular, functionally attached to the right connecting bar 105 at the bottom of the right upright bar, and closer to the front bar 102 than the back bar 103; a cross bar 110 which functionally connects the top of the left upright bar 108 with the top of the right upright bar 109; a c-section bar 111 for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of the right upright bar 109; and an inverted c-section bar 112 for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of the left upright bar 108. The log 501 is resting against the cross bar 110.

FIG. 6 shows the left-side of the apparatus holding a log upright. The embodiment comprises; a base 101 which rests on a fireplace floor or fireplace grate and is comprised of a front bar 102, back bar 103, a left connecting bar 104, a right connecting bar 105, and a plurality of strength reinforcing bars 106; a plurality of log retaining bars 107 which are functionally attached to the base 101 and angled off of a fireplace floor or grate; a left upright bar 108 which is perpendicular, functionally attached to the left connecting bar 104 at the bottom of the left upright bar, and closer to the front bar 102 than the back bar 103; a right upright bar 109 which is perpendicular, functionally attached to the right connecting bar 105 at the bottom of the right upright bar, and closer to the front bar 102 than the back bar 103; a cross bar 110 which functionally connects the top of the left upright bar 108 with the top of the right upright bar 109; a c-section bar 111 for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of the right upright bar 109; and an inverted c-section bar 112 for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of the left upright bar 108. The log 501 is resting against the inverted c-section bar 112.

FIG. 7 shows the right-side of the apparatus holding a log upright. The embodiment comprises; a base 101 which rests on a fireplace floor or fireplace grate and is comprised of a front bar 102, back bar 103, a left connecting bar 104, a right connecting bar 105, and a plurality of strength reinforcing bars 106; a plurality of log retaining bars 107 which are functionally attached to the base 101 and angled off of a fireplace floor or grate; a left upright bar 108 which is perpendicular, functionally attached to the left connecting bar 104 at the bottom of the left upright bar, and closer to the front bar 102 than the back bar 103; a right upright bar 109 which is perpendicular, functionally attached to the right connecting bar 105 at the bottom of the right upright bar, and closer to the front bar 102 than the back bar 103; a cross bar 110 which functionally connects the top of the left upright bar 108 with the top of the right upright bar 109; a c-section bar 111 for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of the right upright bar 109; and an inverted c-section bar 112 for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of the left upright bar 108. The log 501 is resting against the c-section bar 111.

FIG. 8 shows the back of the apparatus holding a log upright. The embodiment comprises; a base 101 which rests on a fireplace floor or fireplace grate and is comprised of a front bar 102, back bar 103, a left connecting bar 104, a right connecting bar 105, and a plurality of strength reinforcing bars 106; a plurality of log retaining bars 107 which are functionally attached to the base 101 and angled off of a fireplace floor or grate; a left upright bar 108 which is perpendicular, functionally attached to the left connecting bar 104 at the bottom of the left upright bar, and closer to the front bar 102 than the back bar 103; a right upright bar 109 which is perpendicular, functionally attached to the right connecting bar 105 at the bottom of the right upright bar, and closer to the front bar 102 than the back bar 103; a cross bar 110 which functionally connects the top of the left upright bar 108 with the top of the right upright bar 109; a c-section bar 111 for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of the right upright bar 109; and an inverted c-section bar 112 for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of the left upright bar 108. The log 501 is resting against the cross bar 110 and is held by a log retaining bar 107.

FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of an optional embodiment of the invention with retaining tabs. The embodiment comprises; a base 101 which rests on a fireplace floor or fireplace grate and is comprised of a front bar 102, back bar 103, a left connecting bar 104, a right connecting bar 105, a plurality of strength reinforcing bars 106, and a plurality of retaining tabs 901 for mounting the apparatus in the fireplace grate, wherein the tabs are located along the front bar of the base and perpendicular to the front bar of the base and in the same plane as the base itself; a plurality of log retaining bars 107 which are functionally attached to the base 101 and angled off of a fireplace floor or grate; a left upright bar 108 which is perpendicular, functionally attached to the left connecting bar 104 at the bottom of the left upright bar, and closer to the front bar 102 than the back bar 103; a right upright bar 109 which is perpendicular, functionally attached to the right connecting bar 105 at the bottom of the right upright bar, and closer to the front bar 102 than the back bar 103; a cross bar 110 which functionally connects the top of the left upright bar 108 with the top of the right upright bar 109; a c-section bar 111 for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of the right upright bar 109; and an inverted c-section bar 112 for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of the left upright bar 108.

While these descriptions of the invention enable one of ordinary skill to use what are considered presently to be the best known modes of every respective aspect thereof, those in the field will also understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiments, methods, and examples. All such variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiments, methods, and examples are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the invention. 

1. A log supporting and guiding apparatus for improved burning, the apparatus comprising: a base which rests on a fireplace floor or fireplace grate, the base comprising a front bar, back bar, a left connecting bar, a right connecting bar, and a plurality of strength reinforcing bars; a left upright bar which is perpendicular, functionally attached to the left connecting bar at the bottom of the left upright bar, and closer to the front bar than the back bar; a right upright bar which is perpendicular, functionally attached to the right connecting bar at the bottom of the right upright bar, and closer to the front bar than the back bar; a cross bar which functionally connects the top of the left upright bar with the top of the right upright bar; a c-section bar for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of the right upright bar; and an inverted c-section bar for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of the left upright bar.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a nameplate which is functionally attached to the strength reinforcing bars and the two connecting bars.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the nameplate carries a logo.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the base further comprises a plurality of retaining tabs for mounting the apparatus in the fireplace grate; the retaining tabs being functionally attached to the front bar of the base, perpendicular to the front bar of the base, and in the same plane as the base itself.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the base further comprises a plurality of retaining tabs for mounting the apparatus in the fireplace grate; the retaining tabs being functionally attached to the front bar of the base, perpendicular to the front bar of the base, and not in the same plane as the base itself.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a plurality of log retaining bars are functionally attached to the base and angled off of the fireplace floor or fireplace grate.
 7. A log supporting and guiding apparatus for improved burning, the apparatus comprising: a base which rests on a fireplace floor or fireplace grate, the base comprising a front bar, back bar, a left connecting bar, and a right connecting bar; a left upright bar which is perpendicular, functionally attached to the left connecting bar at the bottom of the left upright bar, and closer to the front bar than the back bar; a right upright bar which is perpendicular, functionally attached to the right connecting bar at the bottom of the right upright bar, and closer to the front bar than the back bar; a cross bar which functionally connects the top of the left upright bar with the top of the right upright bar; a c-section bar for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of the right upright bar; and an inverted c-section bar for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of the left upright bar.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising a nameplate which is functionally attached to the two connecting bars.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the nameplate carries a logo.
 10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the base further comprises a plurality of retaining tabs for mounting the apparatus in the fireplace grate; the retaining tabs being functionally attached to the front bar of the base, perpendicular to the front bar of the base, and in the same plane as the base itself.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the base further comprises a plurality of retaining tabs for mounting the apparatus in the fireplace grate; the retaining tabs being functionally attached to the front bar of the base, perpendicular to the front bar of the base, and not in the same plane as the base itself.
 12. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein a plurality of log retaining bars are functionally attached to the base and angled off of the fireplace floor or fireplace grate.
 13. A log supporting and guiding apparatus for improved burning, the apparatus comprising: a base which rests on a fireplace floor or fireplace grate, the base comprising a plurality of bars forming a structural base for supporting a plurality of upright bars; a plurality of vertically upright bars functionally attached to the base for supporting of an upper section and sufficiently forward to allow placement of a variety of logs horizontally behind said upright bars; an upper section functionally attached to the vertically upright bars at sufficient height to allow the placement of a variety of logs horizontally underneath said upper section, the upper section comprising; c-section bar for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of one of the upright bars; an inverted c-section bar for holding a log upright, which is functionally attached to the top of one of the upright bars; and a cross bar which functionally connects the c-section and inverted c-section bars. 